Active coal-fired power plants are enough to prevent the world from achieving the global warming target set in the Paris Climate Agreement. Currently, more than 60% of the major active coal power capacity is in the Asia-Pacific region.
Policymakers universally concur that active coal-fired power plants require shutting down to meet the global environmental obligations. However, the plants in the Asia-Pacific region are fairly modern in comparison to those in Europe and North America and might not see rapid shutdowns immediately. In the Asia-Pacific region, the major active coal power plants are on average 10-15-years-old and wouldn’t be decommissioned before approximately 2040-2045. In North America and Europe, they are 40-45-years-old; hence, the average decommissioning is expected to take place by 2030-2035.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Complete elimination from coal-fired power, therefore, will take some time. China affirmed additional new coal-fired power capacity through May 2020. More than 40% of China’s global lending for power projects through its Belt and Road Initiative in 2018 was coal-based. It is estimated that by 2030, more than 500GW of coal-fired power plants are likely to be commissioned, while more than 300GW of coal-based power generation will be decommissioned during the same period. More than 80% of the new capacity build is likely to be contributed by China, India and Vietnam.
Over the last decade, the declining levelized cost of electricity (LCOEs) of renewables has compelled global economies to shift their focus to renewable energies as they are now competing with fossil fuels by achieving grid parity.
Coal decommissioning is likely to be driven by China, India and the US over the next decade. These countries collectively account for more than 58% of the scheduled decommissioning due to ageing infrastructure and commercially unviable projects. EU countries have taken the leap in phasing out coal-fired power plants with minimal addition to the generation mix. However, to make a larger impact on decarbonising the power sector would mean a more united effort across all nations is required. Currently, countries stand divided on their approach to eliminating power generation from coal, which will reduce the pace of decarbonising the global generation mix and reduce the transition pace towards sustainable climate change.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData
